Agricultural Production Operations at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,439/yr (-36% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (132,800 openings/yr)
ROI 6.3x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #17 of 17 Agricultural Production Operations programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Agricultural Production Operations graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $433K $438K $418K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.2x 6.3x 6.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.8x 2.8x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 39% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$69,428
Out-of-state: $157,172 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,764
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,979
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,420
31% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Agricultural Production Operations graduates start at $25,439/yr, trailing the $39,807 national average by 36%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 6.3x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,979 debt-to-$25,439 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #17 out of 17 programs, University of Massachusetts-Amherst's financial outcomes for Agricultural Production Operations trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $25,439 to $33,420 shows 31% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Massachusetts-Amherst's 58% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving a student body of 23,694 in Amherst, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Amherst →

Top Career Paths

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980/yr
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural Production Operations at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Agricultural Production Operations program score?
This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for Agricultural Production Operations. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Agricultural Production Operations to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Agricultural Production Operations careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 38% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Agricultural Production Operations earnings lower at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Lower starting pay at University of Massachusetts-Amherst may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →